November Newsletter 2026
Welcome back after mid-term break. We hope everyone enjoyed a lovely break. There is plenty to look forward to between now and Christmas but first we have so ever exciting news to share!
Iontas Theatre
We are delighted to announce that next June our pupils will take to the stage at the Iontas Theatre, Castleblayney for one night only.
We have linked up with Carla Cashell of Speech Symphony who will work with the children over a 10 week period to direct a production. Children will have the opportunity to audition for parts before Easter and Carla will make the final decision on the cast list.
Carla will lead each classroom in a drama workshop next week and following this we will announce what show will be performed.
This will be a fantastic opportunity for children to build confidence, develop performance skills, work as a team and most importantly create memories. We plan to stage the show on Wednesday 2nd or Thursday 3rd June 2027, the final date is yet to be confirmed. Please keep that week free and avoid booking holidays as we would like as many children as possible to be involved. More details will follow after Christmas.
Football with Euan
Football sessions with Euan have now finished. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed them. Many thanks to Euan for his enthusiasm and fun approach to each session. The cost for the football session has been subsidized by the school, the balance of €10 per child is now due.
Payments should be made by:
- Online banking – IBAN IE20AIBK 9324 2601 2651 56 or
- Cheque/draft from bank or Credit Union
- If using Online banking please put your name on the reference line so we know it’s your payment.
- Mrs McBride will issue receipts of payment.
Parents’ Association AGM
Please support the Parents’ Association AGM tomorrow night, Tuesday 10th November at 8.00pm.
GAA & PE
Children in all classes will have a 30 minute GAA Session every Monday and another PE session on Friday between now and Christmas. Please ensure children wear tracksuits/leggings (NOT JEANS) and runners every Monday and Friday. School uniform is worn on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Food Waste
We are no longer permitted to put food waste into bins in school. Staff and pupils must take food waste home each day. This includes apple cores, banana skins, peelings etc. please ensure your child/children has a lunch box and/or a plastic bag with them each day to put food waste in. Spot checks on the bins are likely to take place and if food is discovered in the bin we will be fined. Many thanks for your support with this issue. Could each child also bring a reusable bottle with them which they can fill in school.
Student Council Elections
Well done to all the boys and girls who put themselves forward for election to the Student Council. They put great effort into their posters and speeches and everyone deserves congratulations for taking part.
Congratulations to our new Student Council members:
Bryan, Amy, Charlotte, Theodore, Harper, Gabriella, Lauren and Maksym.
Annabelle & Emily are our Student Council Co-ordinators.
We look forward to their ideas and input into school life this year under the guidance of Mrs. Boyle.
TEAM HOPE Christmas Shoebox Appeal
The Christmas Shoebox Appeal is an annual campaign sending gift filled shoeboxes from Ireland to children affected by poverty in countries across Africa and Eastern Europe. It is a great opportunity to teach our young children about giving.
At Home –
- Wrap a regular shoebox in colourful paper, wrap the box and lid separately.
- Choose if your box is for a boy or a girl and choose the age group. Place the sticker on the top right hand corner.
- Fill your box with items from each of the 4 W’s listed.
- Donate your €6 in the envelope in the leaflet provided. (Leaflets will be available in school for those who wish to take part).
- Close your box with an elastic band.
- Leave your box into school by Thursday 17th November.
Hot School Lunches
Remember to update your child’s lunch order before Thursday each week. There are new options on the menu for November and if you don’t log in and change your child’s order they may get something new that they don’t like. Please note staff cannot change lunch orders. If you have lost your details or haven’t downloaded the app please contact Fresh Today email – office@freshtoday.ie or telephone 043 3347568 and they will assist you.
One Book, One County
Pupils in 5th and 6th class took part in Monaghan County Council’s One Book, One County initiative organised by Monaghan Library during October. Pupils read the novel Under The Hawthorn Tree By Marita Conlon McKenna. We were delighted to visit the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh where the official launch of the novel took place. The trip was funded fully and the pupils took part in an interactive workshop which was very enjoyable. Later in the year we will get an opportunity to meet the author, Marita Conlon McKenna at an event in the Iontas Theatre.
Coral Leisure Centre
Congratulations to Annabelle, Bryan, Emily and Erin who have been chosen to represent our school at an upcoming School Swimming Gala in Coral Leisure Centre, Monaghan on Saturday 21st November. We wish them well and know they will represent Ballybay Central School with pride.
Parent Teacher Meetings
This year's Parent Teacher Meetings will take place on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th November between 1.00 and 3.00pm.
Normally Parent Teacher meetings take place between 2.00 and 6.00pm on one afternoon but currently all teaching staff are on industrial action and are directed by our union not to hold meetings outside of school hours. The following arrangements have been put in place:
- Lunch, including hot lunches will be at 12.00pm on both days.
- Children will be brought to the gate at 12.20 to be collected by parents. 12.30pm is the latest children should be collected.
- Parent Teacher Meetings will commence at 1.00pm sharp - each meeting will last 10 minutes per child. Times will be strictly adhered to. If you need a longer meeting, that may be arranged with your child's teacher for a suitable time and day - please note while on industrial action, meetings with parents won't take place before or after school (9.00 - 3.00pm)
- Meeting times will be available for booking on Aladdin Connect from next week. Parents with 3+ children will book on a given day, 2 children on the next day and 1 child on the next day. You will be notified in advance as to the day you should book.
If all industrial action, including work to rule is finished before the 26th November - meetings will take place as usual between 2.00 and 6.00pm on Thursday 26th November and you will be kept updated on this.
Christmas Carol Service
We are looking forward to a special school Carol Service which will be held on Thursday 17th December in 2nd Ballybay Presbyterian Church, Clones Rd (time to be confirmed). Each classroom will take part. Families and friends are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate the birth of baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Refreshments will be served after the service in the adjacent hall.
Aladdin Connect
It is very important that at least one parent in each house has Aladdin Connect downloaded and notifications switched on. This is the only means school will contact you with important messages regarding school closures, special events, newsletters etc.
School Attendance
All pupil absences must be entered by parents on Aladdin Connect. Please remember: if a child misses 20 days or more in a school year, schools are legally required to report this to TESS (Tusla Education Support Services). Families will receive an update each term of the total number of absences their child has accumulated. Parents can also log into Aladdin at any time to check their child’s attendance record.
Dates For Your Diary
Tuesday 10th Nov Parents’ Association AGM
Thurs 17th Nov Shoe Box Appeal Collection Day
Thurs 26th & 27th Nov Parent Teacher Meetings. School will close at 12.30 on both days
Thursday 17th Dec Christmas Carol Service, 2nd Ballybay Presbyterian Church
Tues 22nd Dec School closes at 12.00 for Christmas holidays
Wed. 6th Jan 2027 School reopens
2nd/3rd June 2027 School Performance at the Iontas Theatre, Castleblayney